Woodland to be expanded under new long-term deal

A conservation charity has agreed a new long-term deal to expand a woodland park in the north of the island.

Max Wildlife Trust (MWT) said it had secured a 95-year lease on two plots of land next to the Hairpin Woodland Park, which overlooks Ramsey, equalling 11 acres.

The land, which has been acquired from the Isle of Man government, will be added to the five plots already owned by MWT, which opened the park in 2024.

MWT said the move would allow it to "expand woodland creation, enhance biodiversity and strengthen habitat connectivity, while continuing to provide a welcoming place for people to connect with nature".

Graham Makepeace-Warne, CEO of MWT, said: "Securing this long-term lease is a hugely positive step for nature and for the Manx communit.

"We now have the certainty needed to plan for decades of woodland creation and restoration, biodiversity recovery and public engagement."

He added: "MWT Hairpin Woodland Park is at the heart of one of our largest population centres, showing what can be achieved when government, charities and community partners work together for people and wildlife."

The project is being supported by the Rotary Club of Douglas, whose funding is supporting the work at MWT Hairpin Woodland Park.

"By working alongside MWT and other partners, we're helping to create a space that will benefit both people and nature for generations to come," said Ivan Bratty, president of the Rotary Club of Douglas.

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